So you’re ready to dust off the old mountain bike and are now frantically searching online for the best places to go give it a good whirl? Well, you have ended up in the right place! In this guide below, we unpack all you need to know about one of the most popular destinations for mountain bike riding, giving you all the best tips and tricks to make that next Thredbo Mountain Biking adventure one to truly remember. Whether it is scouring the terrain to discover the iconic hidden tracks, or finding out the best spot to hire a bike if you’re just starting out – we have you covered!

So what are you waiting for? Pack the bags, pump the tyres and let’s go for a deep dive into the world of Thredbo MTB (mountain biking for those new around here).

What is MTB and when is the best time to go in NSW?

Source: Visit NSW

MTB is short for Mountain Biking, and it is a very popular sport that continues to grow in the warmer months in Australia. After the snow season has well and truly ended, the Thredbo MTB season is best enjoyed in the warmer months between November and March. With mountain biking in NSW being more popular than ever, there’s a host of events and tours you can take part in during this time to really immerse yourself in the community. Each year there is the annual Snowies MTB Festival with a $5,000 prize pool and over 150km of terrain to cover in the Snowy Mountains within the Thredbo and Lake Cracken resorts. 

Where are these trails, and what are the costs?

Source: Thredbo.com

The Thredbo MTB trails are located on the mountain at Thredbo, and the same goes for those trails located in Perisher, both of these mountains are located in the Mt Kosciuszko National Park. These parks are about a 5-hour drive from the Sydney CBD, and if you’re hoping to make the trek from Melbourne you’re looking at a 7-hour drive. There are a host of driving and bus options to get there direct and there is also a range of flight paths but you will see costs skyrocket if you decide to fly – plus who doesn’t enjoy a road trip?

Similar to the snow season, lifts are required to hit up some of Thredbo’s best MTB tracks, so it’s a good idea to grab a Thredbo MTB pass. These start at roughly $95 for a one-day pass. If you’re in need of a mountain bike to use throughout your time on the mountain, you may want to allow for up to $200 in hire costs including safety equipment. Due to the complex nature of mountain biking and the equipment required to keep you safe in the odd occurrence of an accident, there is a naturally higher level of cost involved in hiring the gear.

Trails trails trails! Which are the best Thredbo bike trails?

Source: Thredbo.com

Thredbo Bike Trails are some of the best in Australia, offering over 40km of hardcore terrain for a variety of experience levels. With over 20 different courses, including 4 terrain parks, these courses are split up into 3 distinct difficulty modes so you’re never without knowing what sort of trail you’re riding into. We recommend checking out the Thredbo MTB Map here to get a good idea of what type of trails intertwine and the difficulty curve you may be stepping into. Our pick of tracks that has a great combination of lowkey and relaxing riding mixed with challenging uphill terrain is the Thredbo Valley Trail. This trail utilises a number of suspension bridges over creeks and rocky regions and traverses through lush landscapes to make for an enjoyable MTB ride.

As well as Thredbo MTB trails, Perisher also has a range of trails that can be tackled via MTB. Perisher Mountain Biking differs from Thredbo in that a range of its walking loops and tracks can be tackled via push bike and are not specific to MTB alone. 

What style of MTB is best?

Source: Visit NSW

If you’re keen on learning more about MTB it won’t take long for you to go down the rabbit hole of discovering the different styles of mountain biking and how they differ from track to track. When using the term gravity for MTB, these tracks lean further into using gravity to propel you downhill, with little effort or energy required to push you from point A to point B. Enduro is specific to downhill and uphill tracks that are professionally timed during downhill segments. 

When considering hiring or buying a bike, it is best to think about which tracks you are considering using often. Gravity bikes are best for utilising the speed going downhill, but struggle to make a difference when traversing trails uphill. If you’re a little lost when it comes to hiring the right bike for your next MTB adventure, head to Thredbo Retail and Rental for the best Thredbo MTB Hire.

Looking for something more adventurous?

Source: Visit Snowy Valleys

If you’re looking for something a little bit more adventurous in the realm of MTB, then look no further than Jump Parks, which combines the fast and chaotic nature of downhill MTB mixed with the jumps and airtime of BMX. This is not for the faint of heart or for those who lack experience. Thredbo bike parks are a great place to take your MTB skills to another level and are a great way to get the adrenaline pumping while hitting high speeds and maximum air. Sharp turns, steep slopes and massive jumps make for a truly epic experience. 

If you are wanting to take your MTB game to the next level, be sure to have the right equipment, safety gear and skills to give the bike park a proper go.

The Snowy Mountains provide some of NSW and Australia’s best MTB opportunities for those who are willing to just dip their toe in or for those thrill-seekers looking for their next kick. Whether you’re heading to the expanse in Thredbo or something more hybrid in Perisher, you are not without options and a diverse selection. 

Planning your next MTB trip over the Easter long weekend? Be sure to drop into our White Spider Restaurant & Bar for a post-ride refreshment. Considered one of Perishers’ finest spots to wine, dine and unwind, our team of cuisine and wine professionals are ready to entertain you, ensuring your night is one to remember.